mynickers

Wednesday 9th March 2005
Hottest-ever Clio Powers In


he hot hatch heritage of Renault is already impressive, but another chapter is about to open with the launch of a new ultra-hot Clio. Following in the tyre tracks of performance models such as the 5 GT Turbo and the Clio 182, an even quicker model is being developed. It will be the car's swansong and will go on sale later in the year, before an all-new Clio is launched.

The newcomer, badged Trophy in line with the special-edition Mégane announced at the Geneva Motor Show, is currently being developed at the Renaultsport factory in Dieppe, France. That's where it will eventually be built in a limited production run of 500 cars.

Expected to cost about £1,000 more than the standard Clio 182, it will be identifiable by a special yellow paint scheme, unique 17-inch alloys and a larger boot spoiler. Power will come from an uprated
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version of the 182's 2.0-litre engine, and although our sources were unable to tell us how much power the secret new Renault will develop, insiders have hinted that it could be in excess of 200bhp, allowing the Clio to go out with a real bang.

Engineers are said to be currently looking at ways of helping the hatchback cope with such an output, as the car's light weight means that at present it would struggle to rein in any power increase. The Trophy will also get a comprehensive range of suspension changes to ensure it provides maximum grip and cornering ability.

Inside, it will feature exclusive Alcantara upholstery, while each model will come with a numbered plaque mounted beside the gearlever.

Exact details on when the newcomer is set to go on sale have yet to be announced, but it should be in showrooms by late summer.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/54...powers_in.html

Daz34

To get a reliable 200bhp out of a 182 costs a fair few grand

R1916v

True, but after you've already bought a standard one with standard parts.

Take off the purchase price the cost of the bits you'd change (guessing exhaust, manofolds etc), decent (well better) head work/flowing etc at the factory, then add on the extras and it probably works out about right.

zoog

If Reanult are true to form the "limited run of 500" will turn into 50,000 and **** off all the original owners a la Clio Williams which was meant to be similarly limited and numbered with plaques but had 3 production runs!

mynickers

Yeah but the objective is to supply demand and make a profit after all, if you make a limited run of something and they're flying out of the door, what would you do?

R1916v

Don't see P1 owners complaining

What were they, 500 initially then they did another 500?

Brendan Hughes

Unfortunate. Into an oncoming car, perhaps - or the sound of a freshly-emancipated con-rod?

Andy M3

I imagine a nice top end rebuild and some TB's should make it spicey enough. Get it revving to 9000 rpm - job done.

Still won't buy one though - lol

Harry_Boy

Only the once, mind......

Clarebabes

Cool, an even better car than the 182! Wicked. I would buy one Just think how that could annoy at the SIDC track days

davyboy

...it would never happen Clare, and you of all people should know that.

Gutmann pug

tut tut

Clarebabes

No goading now

simo

Clare , you can't even think that let alone say it

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Or hitting anything larger than a leaf at speed will make it self destruct. Oh they do that already

Jap2Scrap

Would another 18bhp make much of a difference? Have you seen the difference in specs for the 182 and the 255? Less than half a second to 60 and that's with almost 30% more power. I'm not sure 10% is going to make any difference in the real world. Just might impress your mates down the pub.

Cupramax

Yes, but the v6 weighs about 3 tons or did that elude you

davyboy

Weight plays a part in both 0-60 and "feeling" power.

The cars you are comparing are about 300kg difference - thats 3 16 stone lads!

I reckon you might notice if they got in and out of your car.

Barmyclown

they mite just take the 2 litre twin scroll turbo engine out of the megane detune it down to just over 200hp. Then put it in the clio. It would be cheaper than trying to get an extra 18hp out of an NA engine while trying to meet new stricter emmissions laws.

Angry

I hope they do that, would be good to see a proper small hatchback turbo hit the streets again.

ellisg

Look at cliosport for info, if it does happen it will have 179bhp (182ps) and be a parts bin end of line special maybe in the id special colour (yellow).

However the new clio RS is supposed to have 200 bhp.
200bhp in a reshelled Micra, that will be fun

I've been offered a full spec 182 for 11k, not a cup. I was shocked thats nearly 4 grand off list for a UK dealer supplied brand new car. Renault are starting to dump them on the market.

simo

who offered u the full spec for 11k? Was that with both cup packs? best people are getting is 12k with the cup packs or 10995 for the cup.